The English geologist Gideon Mantell published 'The Fossils of the South Downs,' a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated volume describing the fossil remains of the region. His work showcased a growing understanding of stratigraphy and the astonishing diversity of ancient life. Mantell was also a key figure in the discovery and naming of the first iguanodon.

Mantell's beautifully illustrated books brought the ancient world to life for the Victorian public, feeding a cultural appetite for the prehistoric. He also engaged directly with poetic traditions, writing 'fossil poetry' himself, demonstrating the close relationship between geological discovery and literary expression in the Romantic era. His work was a source of inspiration for poets seeking to imagine lost worlds.